North Idaho library network deems change to minor library card policy 'overreaching'

The Community Library Network board of trustees held off on policy changes that would affect how minors access materials deemed “adult” in local libraries. This comes as libraries across Idaho grapple with a new law that allows parents to challenge materials they believe to be harmful to minors. 

Current library policy allows minors to have and use an open-access library card with parent permission. The updated policy would bar anyone under the age of 18 from obtaining an all-access card, even with parent permission. Under that version of policy, a parent would have to be present for a minor to access any material in the “adult” section.  

On Wednesday, CLN’s legal counsel suggested the new policy would be “overreaching,” as some trustees expressed concern that the policy would limit parents’ ability to make decisions on what was acceptable for their own children.  

At a previous meeting, one trustee likened that policy to allowing a minor to buy cigarettes with their parents’ permission. 

Wednesday’s meeting resulted in no new policy changes, but trustees hope to draft a proposal that is a “middle ground” somewhere between current policy and the policy they rejected.  

CLN oversees libraries in Hayden, Pinehurst, Post Falls, Rathdrum and Spirit Lake.